DNVR Exclusive: Colorado Eagles opening weekend a bittersweet mix of wins and losses

LOVELAND, CO. – Conveniently nestled adjacent to Interstate 25, in an arena named after a popular canned beverage, is a notable hockey organization with banners raised to the rafters in acknowledgment of seasonal greatness.

Opening night for the 2019-20 season was electric as thousands of fans, donning jerseys emblazoned with Colorado’s vibrant logo on the front and players’ names on the back, piled into the building ready for this to be another exciting season.

If you’re thinking about the Avalanche, think again. 

Set your eyes 50 miles north in Larimer County, home of the Colorado Eagles.

Since the Budweiser Events Center opened in 2003, it has witnessed three regular-season titles, seven conference championships, two Ray Miron President Cups (CHL), and two Kelly Cups (ECHL) for the successful franchise that has a combined .747 winning percentage (446-173-49) in their 16 seasons.

Beginning last year, the Eagles have been the AHL affiliate for the Avalanche, coincidentally entering the playoffs with the eighth seed before being ousted in the first round.

Featuring five contributors to the Avalanche 2018-19 Wild Card squad – Mark Alt, Sheldon Dries, A.J. Greer, Logan O’Connor, and Anton Lindholm – in addition to numerous promising prospects – Shane Bowers, Igor Shvyrev, Martin Kaut, Ty Lewis and Nick Henry – the Eagles are once again a great option for hockey fans just an hour drive north of LoDo.

While their AHL season may have opened with consecutive losses on Friday and Saturday night to Calgary’s top-flight club Stockton Heat, you wouldn’t know that based upon the outpouring of support at the BEC from Eagles Country.

Two sell-outs in consecutive nights, including the latter when the parent club had a game against division rival Minnesota, are the norm up north for the team that holds the record for consecutive sellouts for a minor league hockey team.

“I learned very quickly last year how great this crowd is. They never let you down. It’s awesome being back here in front of them,” said second-year captain Mark Alt before acknowledging the results for a club comprised of many recently reassigned players from the preseason camp with the Avs. 

“Coming off a short week, a lot of guys just got in here,” the 27-year-old defenseman admitted. “So, a lot of system-work in here in a short number of days. Might take a couple games to gel, but not too many. We’ve got it get it going.”

Outside of the points squandered to the Pacific Division rival Heat, it was the environment inside the Budweiser Events Center that the players couldn’t stop discussing.

One of the top prospects in the organization, Shane Bowers, heaped praise upon his current home rink.

“I got a little taste of it at the end of last year. I think they’re here every night,” added the 2017 1st rounder. “I’ve asked a couple guys and they’ve said, ‘No bad night here. Fans show up every night to support us. And they’re loud.’ I think that’s a big advantage for us and we’re able to build off of that.”

Returning head coach Greg Cronin also discussed how great it felt to be back home, albeit with bittersweet notes.

“It is. And I’m kind of (upset) that we weren’t able to inject the crowd with some more excitement.” Added the former New York Islander assistant coach, “There wasn’t a lot to cheer about until late in the game tonight. We’ve got the best crowds in the league. That’s not acceptable for us.”

TAKEAWAYS

• It was fitting for Michael Joly to be the only Eagles player with a goal on both nights, as the 24-year-old forward from Quebec was greeted to the loudest applause on Opening Night. “I got chills when I got on the ice,” said the fourth-year pro. “It felt like home. It felt like it’s my place to be. I wouldn’t want to be on any other team. It’s so great to have these fans. They’ve loved me from the start and I appreciate it. It’s my third year here and every single game I’ve played, they were always supportive the best way they can.”
• Credit to T.J. Tynan for following through after discussing the teams need to create opportunities if they were going to split the two-game set with Stockton. “More shots. I’ve got to look at the tape and go through to see what’s going to work (Saturday) night.” The 27-year-old on a two-way contract added two assists in game two to help shrink the lead from 2-0 to 3-2 during the third period.
• Before adding an assist in the Eagles final score of the night, Calle Rosen scored his first goal as a member of the Avalanche organization during a power play early in the third period. “We did some changes from the first game that obviously worked for us. Nice pass from T.J. We looked at video before the game… hopefully it’s something we can build onto in our next game.”
• The Eagles continued to struggle on the power play. After 0-for-8 in game one, Colorado pulled through for their first one of the season, finishing 1-for-4 with the man-advantage. Last season, the Eagles were dead-last on the power play at just 13.8%.